Prompt:
Evaluate the relative importance of the religious rivalries and dynastic ambitions that shaped the course of the Thirty Years' War. (1618-1648)
Thesis: The religious tension between the Protestants and the Catholics throughout Europe roughly set up the Thirty Years' War
because several countries attempted to invade neighbooring countries and establish a religion that conflicted with their religious beliefs.
Causes of Thirty Years' War
France felt threatened from Spanish HRE (Holy Roman Empire)
Spain wanted to regain Netherlands (Protestant Northern Dutch provinces)
Austria (part of HRE) eliminated Protestantism and established stronger central authority
Peace of Augsburg (1555)- ended religious rebellions Lutherans vs. Catholics, didn't recognize Calvinists
Protestant Union (1608)- Palatinate Calvinist ruler Frederick IV rejects Emperor (Ferdinand II)
had Dutch, English, French support
Catholic League (1609)- Bavarian Duke Maximillian supports Spain and HRE, counteract Protestant Union (South Province)
Wars
Bohemian Phase (1618-1625)- Protestant Bohemia accepted King Ferdinand but nobles were Calvinists
defenestration of Prague: Protestant nobles rebelled throwing emperor Matthia's emissaries out the window and he survived
Ferdinand deposed Fredrick V
win for Protestants
Danish Phase (1625-1629)- Lutheran King Christian IV invades Northern Germany
Danes crushed by Imperial HRE Albrecht von Wallenstein
HRE Ferdinand II-Edict of Restitution (prohibits Calvinism & restores Chatholics lost land since 1552)
win for Catholics
Swedish Phase (1630-1635)- Lutheran King G. Adolphus invades Germany, Baltic Sea is a Swedish lake
Battle of Lutzen-Swedish victory, Adolphus killed
Battle of Nordingen- Swedes lose, emperor annuls Edict of Restitution
win for HRE
Franco-Swedish Phase (1635-1648)-
French invades HRE -support Swedes against Habsburgs
politics over religion
Battle of Rocroi (1643)- French defeat Spanish=end of Spanish military greatness)
dominance of France in Europe
Swedes lose control of north
Peace of Westphalia (1648)- German states remain independent (weak for 200 years)
French happy, gain control of German territory
Religion and politics separate- pope ignored in all decisions
Prompt:
Evaluate the relative importance of the religious rivalries and dynastic ambitions that shaped the course of the Thirty Years' War. (1618-1648)
Thesis: The religious tension between the Protestants and the Catholics throughout Europe roughly set up the Thirty Years' War
because several countries attempted to invade neighbooring countries and establish a religion that conflicted with their religious beliefs.
Causes of Thirty Years' War